A letter to my daughter on her 12th birthday

Dear Bria,

Today you are twelve years old. The past twelve years that have flown by way too fast, leaving me in blur of firsts; your first tooth, your first steps, your first music recital, your first loose tooth, your first day of school... Each one of your firsts was a first for me too and each one holds a place in my heart.

I don’t know if there’s a way I can begin to explain how special these years have been to me, how special you are to me. I am proud to see you become the young lady you’re becoming, so proud to watch you grow. I am proud to be your mother.

You won’t always agree with every decision your dad and I make for you, but know that they are made with love, and only the best of intentions. Try to be patient with us and we’ll try to be patient with you. You’ve never been a tween before, and I’ve never been the parent of a tween before. I'm sure it will be an adventure for the both of us. (Daddy too)

Know that even when we disagree, we will always love you. That nothing you can do will ever change that.

As time goes on you will have to make your own choices. Some of those choices will be good, others will be bad, and the consequences of those choices may last for years. Your dad and I will be there to help you make choices whenever you need us.

When you do make a bad choice, remember we are always there for you. We won’t protect you from the consequences, but we will be there to help you handle them. We love you and will always be there for you, even when you may not want us there.

My wish for you this year is to have fun. Watch goofy movies and stay up until the wee hours at sleepovers, sing out loud to the radio and dance in front of the mirror, get the giggles and poke fun at yourself. Soak up everything that 12 has to offer, thirteen will be here soon enough.


I love you, Kiddo.